I started coming to The Attic when I was 15. I was lost and depressed, just looking for new friends to share my summer with. As someone who’s shy, coming to The Attic was overwhelming for me. But once I started interacting with the other youth I...

Before October 2014, I had no idea what The Attic Youth Center was or how it was going to magically change my life. Earlier that year, I came out to my parents, which led to some abuse at home because of who I was. I was no longer accepted.

In 11th grade, I made one of the best decisions of my life- I came to The Attic. I was scared and overwhelmed- dealing with coming out to unsupportive family members and being bullied at school for being gay.

I attended The Attic’s 20th Anniversary Gala in November and was awed by the fact that what I helped to build twenty years ago has grown into such a vital part of our community. I know firsthand the pride, confidence, responsibility, and joy that...

Growing up, I never thought I would have to worry about whether people liked me or not. I always thought that as long as I did the right thing, things would just come naturally. I never imagined someone would treat me differently simply because I...

When I was thirteen, I came out to my family. My grandmother, who I am very close to, didn’t like the fact that I was gay and this hurt me. This made it very difficult for me to be myself at home. I constantly struggled. School was no different.

In 2012, I had a really bad year at school. It was my 9thgrade year and I had just started at a new high school. I had come out as a lesbian in middle school, and now I had to come out to all new people at my high school. Also, I have a learning...